Revised Sun Tracker Sensor

In the last version of sun tracker sensor, The cross was erroneously mounted with 45 degree offset with LEDs. Also the diameter of the cross was almost equal to the diameter of LEDs, which is not correct as the shadow of the cross will not cover the complete LED.For highest resolution, i can keep both the Cross and the pipe at the same height as i have done in my old version of sensor, but in this case the motors won't halt at any time and oscillate between forward and backward.
So to avoid frequent forward and backward motion and to conserve electricity to drive the motors i set a rule of thumbs "The Height of the cross should be 30% more than the height of the pipe" and "The diameter of the cross should be more than twice the diameter of LED".
This will be cater for in this revised version.

Updates on Sun Tracker Sensor

Here is the updates on the Sun Tracker sensor.. The sensor testing is still in Progress...After testing of this sensor, A better revised circuit version will come out later..

My first mistake, The cross is offset by 45 degree.. It should be aligned with the Sensor LED's..

Updates on Dual Axes Sun Tracker with Sensor

A drawback of living in a remote location is that, among many other things, it is hard to find a big electronics component store. During my last visit to Karachi, I had purchased a good amount of electronic components from electronics market. i also collected some visiting cards from the dealers that now helping me sourcing hard-to-find electronic components for the Solar tracker and MPPT(Maximum Power Point Tracker) controller. Still one component MAX4713 is missing and they are keep trying to find for me.The modern communication means helped mutually  both the parties in getting required components.

Spent about Rs.9000 purchasing misc. components that will be used in my other projects. I have now good amount of components and can easily make assembly line for manufacturing of sun-tracker, MPPT and sensor.
Here is the dual axes sun tracker with the sensor. The circuit was etched yesterday and all components were mounted. today i will calibrate the sensor and check the working of the circuit board.

The Solar Panels at my DoorStep

I ordered these 90 watt Mono crystalline Solar  panels Qty:5Ea to a local supplier with a bargain price (Rs.220/watt or PKR221 (USPKR221)/watt). the shipment charges Rs.1000 (PKR1,001 (USPKR1,000)).Yesterday i received the panels with seaworthy packaging. All 5 panels weigh about 65Kg so a bit heavy and can be handle with two person. I intend to install these panels on a single rugged structure with Solar tracker and MPPT control unit. The solar tracker and MPPT control unit is still under study.

Now i think i must order one more panel to balance the weight on the structure. These panels are very delicate so i just open a small portion of covering to check the damages and quality of workmanship. I amazed to see that due to good packing and clear tagging instructions (FRAGILE) the solar panels were safe. The quality of the panels perfect. These panels came up with 5-year warranty.